World Leprosy Day 2024: The purpose of World Leprosy Day, which is routinely observed on the last Sunday of January, is to raise awareness about a disease that is widely believed to be extinct, particularly in developed nations. A particular strain of bacteria is the cause of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, an infectious illness that affects the human nervous system. It impacts the hands, feet, and visage in general. It is postulated that the disease is transmitted via prolonged exposure to the causative microorganisms. In addition to educating the public about the disease, the purpose of the day is to bring attention to those who are affected by it.
The History of World Leprosy Day
Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection that has the potential to cause irreparable and permanent harm to the eyes, epidermis, nerves, and respiratory system. In the affected areas, a loss of sensation is the result of the condition. Frequently, the affected individual experiences a loss of sensation in the affected region, which can result in missed or unnoticed injuries or incisions, ultimately culminating in limb amputation. Additional symptoms that an infected individual might manifest include muscle weakness and impaired vision.
Hansen’s disease derives its name from the Norwegian physician Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, renowned for his identification of the causative microorganisms of leprosy.
Raoul Follereau, a French philanthropist, established Leprosy Day in 1954 to increase public awareness of the illness and its socioeconomic effects. The day is commemorated in India on January 30, the anniversary of the passing of the apostle of world peace, Mahatma Gandhi, in recognition of his unwavering compassion for those suffering from the disease.
Despite being currently treatable and uncommon in developed nations like the United States, the disease is stigmatized. This phenomenon is particularly evident in India, Brazil, and Indonesia, the countries with the highest incidence counts. Ill-infected individuals frequently face ostracism and discrimination, which restricts their access to treatment and medical care and even violates their fundamental human rights.
Due to the disease’s disproportionate impact on disadvantaged segments of the global population, there is a growing tendency for the international community to neglect its existence. Leprosy Day seeks to raise public consciousness to encourage individuals to seek treatment and maintain a dignified existence.
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FAQs for World Leprosy Day
Is January 30 annually observed as World Leprosy Day?
World Leprosy Day is observed annually on the final Sunday of January on an international level. January 30 is designated as the commemorative date in India, marking the anniversary of the demise of Mahatma Gandhi.
Leprosy eradication in the United States?
Although not entirely eradicated, the disease is uncommon. Annually, the United States deals with approximately 150 to 200 new cases, according to the C.D.C.
Does leprosy have a significant degree of contagiousness?
No. Leprosy is not transmitted through casual contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands, embracing, or sitting next to them. In actuality, infection is quite challenging to acquire; rather, one can only become infected through protracted, extensive contact with infected individuals.
World Leprosy Day 2024 Activities
Coordinate a neighborhood parade
Groups should traverse the districts of their immediate community. Distribute informational placards and pamphlets concerning the day and the disease. Request a leprosy-eradication-focused NGO to preside over a meeting that takes place in the market square following the parade. Bringing attention to the disease will constitute an act of philanthropy on your part.
Uplift individuals who have been diagnosed with leprosy.
Engage in conversation with patients at a leprosy recovery facility. Society frequently shuns and neglects them. Inspire within them a sense of belonging to our exquisite universe. You will certainly amass blessings in this manner!
Coordinate a campaign via social media
Display wall inscriptions advocating for the eradication of leprosy. Include references to articles and stories that provide additional information about the disease in the comments sections of your posts. Communicate the notion that leprosy is curable and that those afflicted with the disease should receive treatment.
Five Facts Regarding the Global Burden of Leprosy
Leprosy-affected individuals who struggle with disabilities
Two to three million individuals worldwide are afflicted with disabilities resulting from the aforementioned disease.
The number of infants who are affected by leprosy
Nearly 15,000 infants were identified as having Hansen’s disease in 2019.
The disease’s geographic prevalence
A total of 120 countries reported instances in 2018, of which India, Brazil, and Indonesia accounted for 80% collectively.
The quantity of newly diagnosed cases in the United States.
Annually, the United States experiences an estimated 150 to 200 cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The hottest places in the United States
In 2018, Texas, California, Arkansas, New York, Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana reported the greatest number of cases in the United States.
WORLD LEPROSY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 28 | Sunday |
| 2025 | January 26 | Sunday |
| 2026 | January 25 | Sunday |
